SYNOPSIS
In this landmark 1988 PBS series, mythologist and storyteller Joseph Campbell joins acclaimed journalist Bill Moyers to explore what enduring myths can tell us about our lives. In each of six episodes recorded at Skywalker Ranch and New York’s American Museum of Natural History – “The Hero’s Adventure,” “The Message of the Myth,” “The First Storytellers,” “Sacrifice and Bliss,” “Love and the Goddess,” and “Masks of Eternity” — Moyers and Campbell focus on a character or theme found in cultural and religious mythologies. In conversations that span millennia and cover the far reaches of the globe, the two discuss how myths are clues to the spiritual core of human nature, while touching on such diverse topics as religion, folklore and pop culture.
What We Thought:
I will be honest, I was completely unfamiliar with Joseph Campbell or his six episode PBS special Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers. The first five episodes were filmed at George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch and it features footage from George’s original Star Wars trilogy. It is very religious based, but with the mix of pop culture it feels like something you’d see on Ancient Aliens but from almost 40 years ago.
I use the word religious because it covers most of the different religions of the world. It’s not just Christian or Hebrew based, but it also includes Islam, Buddhism and other religions. If it is someone’s spirituality, it’s most likely mentioned over the six episodes. Campbell uses religious teachings and theory to discuss how the world was shaped and gives examples of pop culture of the time as reference points and to make it relatable to that time period. Whether it is Star Wars or comic books or video games, Campbell can connect it to spirituality.
Episode 1 is The Hero’s Adventure and it’s where Star Wars plays a major role thanks to Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. Campbell also discussed Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, and all who fought “dragons” along their way. Episode 2 is The Message of the Myth and how that message is created and received. There is lots of talk about opposite pairs, good vs. evil, God vs. Nature, etc. Episode 3 is The First Storytellers and how myths were passed on through time going back to early man. Episode 4 is Sacrifice and Bliss and the struggles of human beings to get to their believed end results. Episode 5 is Love and the Goddess which covers everything from the ancient romantics and their worshippers to the virgin birth of Christ and why we use the term Mother Earth. Episode 6 is Masks of Eternity and talks about symbolism, putting on different faces, artistic expressionism and more.
Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers isn’t the fastest binge in the world. I watched the six episodes over three different nights because overall it is just two men talking. I’m sure back then Campbell’s ideas were groundbreaking and revolutionary and he probably had a big influence on things like Ancient Alien Theory and 20th century transcendentalism. I wish it was a bit more exciting than two guys talking, but I found it interesting at least. If you were a fan then you’ll enjoy this release. If you are a Star Wars fan especially the original trilogy there is a great bonus feature that’s almost an hour long.
BONUS FEATURES
- Bill Moyers’ Journal episodes: Joseph Campbell: Myths to Live By – Part 1 and Part 2
- The Mythology of Star Wars with Bill Moyers and George Lucas (55-minute featurette)
- 24-page companion booklet featuring an extremely rare essay by Joseph Campbell, plus additional reading materials from the Joseph Campbell Foundation
The Nerds Templar 